Joseph D. Romand

Joseph D. Romand, age 82, died peacefully after a long battle against cancer, on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, with his loving family and feline companions, Angel, and Tami, at his side. Born in Albany, N.Y., Joe lived most of his life in Colonie. He was the son of the late Joseph A. and Catherine Romand. Joe was a 1948 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy (CBA). He was proud to serve in the US NAVY and often shared fond memories of his station in Kodiak, Alaska. He was a sales representative for 51 years in the region earning respect of his customers in his work for Sandy Sales and Capital District Drug and Sundries. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, hunting. In addition to his own garden, he maintained a railroad garden in Duanesburg for four years and could often be found in gardens of family and friends. He was a huge fan at Colonie ballparks, enjoying his grandsons' baseball and football games, cheering on their teams & teammates from Little League, Colonie High School and Connie Mack. Each June, he looked forward to participation in Riverview Medical's Survivor Day and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life – Saratoga. His favorite vacation destination was Rockport, Mass. His greatest joy in life was time spent with family. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Charles and sister, Betty.
Joe is survived by Margaret, his beloved wife of 53 years and extraordinary caregiver. He was the proud father of Joseph A. (Tracey) of Colonie, and daughter, Denise, of Saratoga Springs. He was the adoring grandfather of Brian, Andrew and Meaghan Romand of Colonie. He is survived by brother, James, of New Mexico, sisters-in-law, Martha Romand and Loretta Dashnaw; brother-in-laws Leo (Dottie) and Philip deGonzague; Victor Ostrowidzki (Sharon); and several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, all who he cared for deeply. Joe will also be remembered for his love of family, his loyalty, faith, courageous spirit, creativity, sense of humor and mischief. He measured his riches in the love of those he cherished.
Joe wished to thank The Visiting Nurse Association of Albany and The Community Hospice of Albany County for their kindness and compassion.
Those wishing to remember Joe in a special way may make a memorial contribution to: Catie Hoch Foundation (Helps kids take a break from cancer), 27 Southwood Drive, Ballston Lake, NY 12019, www.catiehochfoundation.org, or Whiskers, Animal Benevolent League, Whiskers, PO Box 11190, Albany NY 12211, www.ewhiskers.com.
Funeral Services will be Saturday at 8am at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, then to The Church of Saint Clare, 1947 Central Avenue, Colonie, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am. Calling hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment will be arranged at The Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville on Tuesday, August 30th at 12pm.